07/28/2025
Congratulations to my beautiful friends, Kati and Tariu, on their marriage in October 2024.
With 160 guests in attendance—including beloved family from New Zealand, Australia, and the Cook Islands—it was a true celebration of multicultural Cook Island Māori whānau coming together as one.
Kati surprised her new husband with a Cook Island dance. It was captivating.
Together, Kati and Tariu, now a blended family with 10 children, are each other’s rocks. Their partnership is built on unconditional love and unwavering support through all of life’s challenges.
I deeply admire these two.
Kati has been one of my best friends since I was thirteen, and we share a special bond as NZ Māori relatives—descendants of the same great-grandfather who once lived on the very land where she was married, and where I had the honour of legalising their union.
It was a privilege to help make more family history on such meaningful land near Christchurch.
Wishing you a lifetime of joy, fulfilment, health and love.
Lana Xo